THE ASSOCIATE PROGRAMME
The Junior, Mid and Senior Associates
Programme exists for students between the ages of
8-15 to nurture young talented students in their
pursuit of excellence in pre-vocational classical
ballet training. Children aged 8-10 are known as
Junior Associates, 11-13 as Mid Associates and 14-15
as Senior Associates. The course is designed to
augment and enhance an individual's current training
and to introduce them to The Royal Ballet School's
System of Training alongside other gifted children
who aspire to a career in dance. The pupils will
continue to train with their regular dance teacher
in addition to their Associate classes.
Junior Associates:
Classes are held in London, Birmingham, Bristol,
Eastleigh (Southampton), Exeter, Leeds and Manchester.
In London and Birmingham classes are offered on
a weekly or fortnightly basis. All classes take
place on a Saturday with the exception of Manchester.
Mid Associates:
Classes are held in London, Birmingham, Bristol,
Eastleigh (Southampton) and Leeds. All classes are
held on Saturday.
Senior Associates:
Classes are held in London and Birmingham and intended
for those dancers who are considering auditioning
for vocational training at 16 years.
Each session is 2 hours 15 mins in length and includes
classical ballet based on The Royal Ballet School's
System of Training. National dance, historical dance,
natural movement and pointe work are included as
appropriate to the students' age and development.
The course also incorporates exercise programmes
devised and developed by the School’s physiotherapist.
In London the course provides classes specifically
designed for the young male dancer. Successful applicants
for the Mid and Senior Associates are offered an
initial year's course beginning in September and
are appraised each year as to their suitability
for further training.
Since the inception of the programme many Associate
pupils have progressed through the Lower and Upper
School into the Royal Ballet Companies.
Associates sometimes perform with The Royal Ballet,
Birmingham Royal Ballet and other ballet companies.
